Rupp Sets 5k American Record at Tyson Invitational
February 14, 2009 by Stephanie Lowe
By Stephanie Lowe, PreRaceJitters.com - Fayetteville, Ark - Tyson Invitational - Randal Tyson Track Center.
Rupp vs. Chelanga: Part 2
Oregon’s Galen Rupp and Liberty’s Sam Chelanga raced each other for the first time since the 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships. Rupp won that title, but a collegiate record was up for grabs Friday night in the Tyson Invitational 5000m.
Most of the race was between Rupp, Chelanga, and two Ethiopian Bekana Daba and Markos Geneti. About 5 seconds back was the rest of the field, led my Arkansas runner Shawn Forrest.
Rupp ran a smart tactical race, as he stayed slightly behind Daba and waited until the last couple of laps to make a move. Despite Rupp finally taking the lead, Daba out-kicked him on the last lap for a world-leading 13:17.89 finish.
Both Rupp and Chelanga achieved their goal of breaking the collegiate record. Chelanga was 3rd in 13:19.79. Rupp also broke the American record with his 13:18.12, 2nd place finish.
Becker Dominates 3000m
Alex Becker ran away from her competitors in the women’s 3000m. Soon after the start of the race, she opened a gap of up to 15 seconds in front of the field.
The closest runner behind Becker was Texas Tech’s Lillian Badaru, followed by Denise Bargiachi of Arkansas and Florida’s Genevieve LaCaze. Badaru (9:28.90) had a strong kick at the end, but was unable to ever catch Becker (9:23.78).
Another Close Finish for Symmonds and Robinson
The rivalry between Nick Symmonds and Khadevis Robinson returned in the Tyson Invitational 800m. Symmonds barely held off Robinson at the finish line for the win.
Although Arkansas runner Tyler Mulder led the first part of the race, Symmonds moved to the lead with 200 meters to go. Robinson went with him. At the tape, Symmonds finished first in 1:47.72 and Robinson in 1:47.76.
Willard Wins Mile
It was difficult to predict the winner of the women’s mile. Contenders like Anna Willard and Sally Kipyego are better known for other events.
Willard, a former American record-holder in the steeplechase, showed her versatility when she won the mile in 4:30.69. Kipyego was not too far behind in 4:32.01, but Brie Felnagle almost beat her in 4:32.17.
Third Time’s a Charm for Willis
Nick Willis won his third mile race of the Visa Championship Series Friday night at the Tyson Invitational in 4:02.70. Although his time was slower than at Millrose and Boston, Willis said he enjoyed a more tactical race, not focused on the pace.
Tactics came into play especially on the last lap when Willis had to react to another runner, Dorian Ulrey, falling. Ulrey was with the lead runners, but tripped on the first turn of the last lap.
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